Shloka 1.18.34
पुत्रजन्मोत्सवः — Birth of the Princes and Viśvāmitra’s Arrival (Bālakāṇḍa 18)
ते यदा ज्ञानसम्पन्नास्सर्वैस्समुदिता गुणै:।।1.18.33।।ह्रीमन्त: कीर्तिमन्तश्च सर्वज्ञा दीर्घदर्शिन:।तेषामेवं प्रभावानां सर्वेषां दीप्ततेजसाम्।।1.18.34।।पिता दशरथो हृष्टो ब्रह्मा लोकाधिपो यथा।
te cāpi manujavyāghrā vaidikādhyayane ratāḥ | pitṛśuśrūṣaṇaratā dhanurvede ca niṣṭhitāḥ ||
Those men, tiger-like among mortals, were devoted to Vedic study, intent on serving their father, and firmly accomplished in the science of archery as well.
All his sons were enriched with knowledge and endowed with all virtues. They were modest, renowned, omniscient and farsighted. Dasaratha rejoiced at the sight of those glorious sons with such faculties and looked like Brahma, Lord of the worlds.
Dharma is balance: learning (Veda), discipline in martial skill (Dhanurveda), and reverent service to parents—knowledge and power are legitimized by duty.
The narrator continues listing the princes’ training and conduct, showing them as ideal heirs.
Obedience and service to parents alongside disciplined mastery—self-control directing strength.